Surface ablation

PRK issue evidence

These groups describe the coverage of this database—not a ranking of severity or a personal risk estimate.

Cohort evidence
3
Community only
0
Current gaps
7
Absence is never treated as a zero rate. Only imported cohort observations receive numeric summaries. Community counts indicate an issue-specific structured mention, not necessarily a new, severe or ongoing problem.

Observed in current cohorts

Source-linked study data. Each number stays attached to its cohort, denominator and follow-up period.

3

Loss of best-corrected vision

A reduction in chart lines even with the best glasses or contact-lens correction available after surgery.

FDA recognition source ↗
0%–21.0% · 6 observations

Structured community mentions only

An anecdotal layer kept separate from clinical evidence; these counts are not incidence estimates.

0
No entries in this evidence category for PRK.

Recognised issues without a current observation

Coverage gaps remain visible because missing data must not be mistaken for zero events.

7

Corneal ectasia

Progressive postoperative weakening and shape change of the cornea that can produce irregular astigmatism and loss of visual quality.

FDA recognition source ↗
No current cohort observation

Corneal haze

Postoperative corneal clouding after surface ablation. Transient and persistent haze, and different grading thresholds, should not be combined.

FDA recognition source ↗
No current cohort observation

Delayed epithelial healing or recurrent erosion

Delayed repair or later breakdown of the corneal surface layer following surface-ablation surgery.

FDA recognition source ↗
No current cohort observation

Glare and reduced night-vision quality

Scattered or uncomfortable brightness, ghosting or poorer visual quality in low light. Definitions and questionnaires vary.

FDA recognition source ↗
No current cohort observation

Halos

Rings around lights, especially under dim or night-time conditions. Studies may use different questions and symptom thresholds.

FDA recognition source ↗
No current cohort observation

Infectious keratitis / corneal infection

A postoperative infection of the cornea. It is distinct from endophthalmitis, which involves the inside of the eye.

FDA recognition source ↗
No current cohort observation

Starbursts

Rays or streaks around point light sources, usually assessed through a patient questionnaire rather than a single universal test.

FDA recognition source ↗
No current cohort observation